Township council held its first annual meeting of boards, committees and commissions on March 26.
The purpose was to gather agencies so they can inform each other of their respective purposes, goals and objectives and encourage collaboration. Mayor Quinton Law noted that the session also was meant as a trial to see if coming together at the start of the year would be desirable for the groups to address their work in the township.
“This (meeting) has come out of conversations that we’ve had with many of the people in this room asking about why the boards and committees dinner that we have in December is the only time that we get together as a group,” Law explained, “and what we’ve seen emerge in the last two years on council specifically is some misunderstandings of the work that we do …
“Networking could be a good opportunity for our committees to understand a little bit more the importance of the work that we do, but also the public.”
Agencies at the meeting were the Moorestown Appearance Committee; the Better Together Advisory Committee; the Cyclist, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee; the Economic Development Advisory Committee; the Ethical Standards Board; the Historic Preservation Commission; the Library Board of Trustees; the Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Oversight Committee; the planning board; the Recreation Advisory Committee; the Sustainable Moorestown Green Team; the Tree Planting and Preservation Committee; and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
The Moorestown Appearance Committee, said chair Scott Hearn, has an advisory role to help protect and enhance the overall look, character and visual quality of the township. Its focus is on how development and change fit into Moorestown in a thoughtful and visually appropriate way. The committee also plays an active role in community enhancement, with members participating in improvements that include Main Street plantings and holiday displays.
Historic preservation, Hearn added, is also part of the committee’s mission. When older buildings and other structures outside the historic district are proposed for demolition, the committee reviews them for their contribution to the historic fabric of the town, and, when appropriate, recommends alternatives such as adaptive re-use or relocation.
“ … Preserving Moorestown’s architectural heritage while allowing responsible growth is a key priority for us,” Hearn noted. “In short, the appearance committee helps ensure that development can change in Moorestown, enhances the town’s visual identity, respects its history and contributes positively to the community both now and for the future.”
What the Economic Development Advisory Committee does is grounded on four economic goals, according to member Phuong Peterson: maintaining municipal finances based on commercial revenue; monitoring and responding to opportunities and risks in Moorestown’s economic environment; enhancing key economic assets in town; and ensuring the township has a thriving, dynamic and diverse business environment.
The Historic Preservation Committee was commissioned last year to protect the historical character and fabric of Moorestown. It reviews exterior changes and alterations to properties within the historic district as well as designated historical sites.
“ … As we celebrate our 250th anniversary this year, it is only fitting to see the great strides that Moorestown has made in preserving the historical fabric of this great town,” said committee vice chair Steve Chepurny. “ … The (committee) also serves as a valuable educational resource for property owners, offering guidance on preservation, best practices (and) appropriate materials for proper maintenance of historical structures.”
Library Board of Trustee member Mary McMahon recounted a question she was asked recently about whether libraries are obsolete in an age when people are continually online and not reading as many books. She argued that libraries are not only crucial to the town, but society at large.
McMahon reported that the township library had 143,555 visits last year; about 32,000 people attended more than 1,000 programs; and 258,679 items were either borrowed, downloaded or streamed.
“A town library ought to be – and I believe ours certainly is – a town center,” she observed, “and it’s a place of learning and friendship, entertainment and connection with our fellow Moorestonians.”
